Photo: Getty Images North America
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made history during his first career start in the NFL.
On Sunday (November 23), Sanders became the first Browns rookie QB since 1995 to win his debut start as he led the team to a 24-10 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sanders ended a 17-quarterback drought that started after Eric Zeir's win 30 years ago.
The rookie QB finished Sunday's matchup 11-of-20 for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, flashing the arm talent that initially had him high on NFL draft boards. Sanders delivered two explosive plays, including a 54-yard strike to Isaiah Bond and a short pass that Dylan Sampson turned into a 66-yard score.
Sanders was named the starting QB for the Browns' road game against the Raiders after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel was put in concussion protocol.
Ahead of the matchup, Sanders said he was ready to change the trajectory of the franchise.
"We're cool, calm, and confident," he said. "… I'm who they been looking for."
Sanders also acknowledged the challenges he's faced after being picked up by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and sitting behind multiple quarterbacks.
“Everybody starts different places,” Sanders said. “Just because I didn’t get the summer reps… that’s how life is. But it’s no excuse. Gotta go out there and perform. There’s no choice.”
On Sunday, Sanders said his first start felt "surreal," and he promised to continue to improve as he settles into the league.
“It’s only one way, and the only way is up,” he said.
See how social media reacted to Sanders breaking the decades-long Browns QB curse below.
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